Letter 2019: Here is your son — whom I've pried from my own comfort to satisfy your longing.

Here is your son — whom I've pried from my own comfort to satisfy your longing. Now that you're restored by this dear relief, make your peace with your old happiness. But if you'll hear my advice: once you've warmed a father's heart with the sight of your boy, put practical matters first. Send the young man back to pursue a civic career. What use is he to you in a military camp? This is my frank counsel, offered in duplicate [i.e., to both parents]. You'll do what your own greater wisdom dictates. A person who judges conditions firsthand always sees more clearly.

F]n tibi filium nostmm, quem solacio decerpsimus nostro, dum desiderio tuo cedi- mus. tandem fultus caro levaniine redi in gratiam cum priore laetitia. sed si accedis Hentontiac mcae, ubi primum animum paternum visu pignoris foyeris. ntilia antepone ijirmuiis iuvcnem^iue nostrura ad civiles fasccs contende dimittere. quo tibi in castris? 26 (H)ram duo])UH haoc mei consilii forma eRt; facics ipse, quod pmdentia maiore dele- gcris. plura enlm videt, qui coram de rerum condicionibus iudicat. ego quod loquor, votuni cHt: tu de adpositis adsume iadicium. yale. XX a. 382—394.